Family in shock as Scot stabbed to death in Lapland named as Rebecca Johnson

Rebecca Johnson
Rebacca Johnson Credit: Cascade

A 26-year-old Scottish woman who was stabbed to death while working in Lapland with a “Santa Safari” tour company has been named as Rebecca Johnson.

Her 36-year-old boyfriend, who is believed to be from the Czech Republic, has been arrested after she was found dead in the Finnish village of Kuttanen on Saturday.

Miss Johnson, from Burntisland in Fife, was described by a relative as a “beautiful girl”. Her great aunt Val Laing said she was finding it difficult to accept what had happened.

She added: “Rebecca was a beautiful girl. I had come home from Edinburgh when her grandad was on the phone to tell me what had happened. I couldn't take it in at first.

"For her parents and grandparents to lose her just before Christmas is devastating. I'll be there for them, but I don't know how they are going to cope."

Ms Laing told The Courier that her niece had spent time in Sweden before moving to Finland, but said she knew little about her boyfriend.

Sil Scarlett, a family friend who owns a café in Burntisland, said Ms Johnson, a keen dog-sledder, was “lovely”, adding: “I know the family well, we're close. They are nice people and both girls are lovely. They love their dogs. They're both princesses, that's how I would describe them."

Miss Johnson’s boyfriend was arrested by Finnish police on suspicion of murder after a manhunt in sub-zero conditions. He is believed to have fled by dogsled and was found in the wilderness suffering from hypothermia.

Lapland
Police at the scene where boyfriend was detained

The Scot’s body was found by police in the Finnish village of Kuttanen, close to the Swedish border, on Saturday.

She had been working for the Santa Safari firm providing Christmas-themed excursions. A spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the Santa Safari team was discovered dead on December 3.

"We are all in shock from this tragic news and our thoughts go out to her family. Our team is working closely with the Finnish police and relevant authorities to support the investigation that is now under way.

"It goes without saying that we will do everything we can to support the family and our staff at this incredibly difficult time."

 

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